17
The moment Samantha disappeared into her building, the car felt smaller.
The air thicker.
Amanda shifted in her seat, suddenly way too aware that it was just her and Ericka now.
Ericka, who had barely reacted when Samantha left, simply crossed one leg over the other, resting an arm along the back of the seat as if this were the most natural thing in the world.
The driver pulled back onto the road, heading toward Amanda's apartment.
She should have relaxed.
She should have just stared out the window, scrolled on her phone, done literally anything to distract herself.
But instead, she felt Ericka's gaze on her.
Not heavy. Not overwhelming. Just... present.
Curious.
Amanda risked a glance and immediately regretted it.
Ericka was watching her, that same infuriatingly unreadable expression on her face, like she knew something Amanda didn't.
Amanda cleared her throat. "You really didn't have to drive me home, you know."
Ericka's smirk was subtle. "I know."
Amanda waited for her to explain herself.
She didn't.
Amanda rolled her eyes, looking away. "I was fine. I could've gotten an Uber."
Ericka hummed, tilting her head. "You had three shots in a row not even an hour ago. I'm sure you would've been very responsible about that."
Amanda scoffed. "I can handle my liquor."
Ericka smirked. "Oh, I noticed."
Amanda felt her face heat.
She crossed her arms, turning her body slightly toward Ericka despite herself. "Okay, your turn."
Ericka lifted a brow. "For what?"
"For surprising me," Amanda said, leaning back into the seat. "You're not what I expected tonight."
Ericka chuckled, low and smooth. "And what did you expect?"
Amanda narrowed her eyes. "You really wanna know?"
Ericka nodded. "Go on."
Amanda bit her lip, thinking. "Well, for starters, I figured you'd turn the dare down."
Ericka smirked. "And miss the chance to prove you wrong?"
Amanda rolled her eyes but smiled. "I also assumed you'd have a drink or two, then leave early."
Ericka tilted her head, amused. "So you underestimated me."
Amanda huffed a quiet laugh. "I guess I did."
Ericka's smirk deepened. "And now?"
Amanda met her eyes.
The way Ericka was looking at her—calm, steady, with just the faintest flicker of amusement—made her stomach feel... off balance.
"Now?" Amanda repeated, pausing like she was actually thinking about it.
Then she shrugged.
"I guess I'll have to stop assuming things about you."
Ericka didn't answer right away.
She simply watched Amanda for a moment too long, her gaze slow and deliberate—like she was considering something.
Then, finally, she murmured, "Probably for the best."
Amanda's pulse skipped.
And she had no idea why.
The driver slowed as they pulled up to Amanda's apartment building.
The moment should have felt normal. Simple. Just a ride home.
But when the car came to a stop, neither of them moved right away.
Amanda licked her lips, gripping the handle but not opening the door.
Ericka leaned her head slightly against the seat, watching her with that same unreadable intensity.
Amanda exhaled sharply. "Thanks for the ride."
Ericka nodded, but said nothing.
Amanda hesitated for half a second before finally opening the door.
The moment the cool night air hit her, she felt like she could breathe again.
She stepped out, turned back toward the car—
And found Ericka still watching her.
Amanda lifted a hand in a half-wave. "See you Monday."
Ericka smirked, tilting her head slightly.
"Looking forward to it."
Amanda swallowed hard.
Then she shut the door.
And as she walked up the steps to her building, she realized something.
That car ride?
Was anything but simple.